Shingleback Female 5 years old — Tiliqua rugosa, the shingleback or bobtail: armoured in pinecone scales, carrying a tail shaped like its head, and famous in science as the lizard that pairs with the same partner for decades. Slow, deliberate and deeply calm — more tiny tortoise-dragon than skink — with captive-bred availability in Europe perennially scarce.
At a Glance
| Species | Tiliqua rugosa (shingleback) |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 30–40 cm |
| Lifespan | 20–40 years |
| Enclosure | 120×60 cm arid floor setup |
| Heat / light | Basking 35–38 °C; strong T5 UVB; dry heat |
| Experience level | Intermediate (dry-climate discipline) |
Care Basics
Everything says arid: low humidity, dry substrate, intense UVB, hot basking pad, one shallow water dish. Humidity is the single thing that reliably harms them. Diet leans vegetables and edible flowers with modest protein — snails and egg as treats — plus calcium. Their calm is real; so is their strength. Support the whole armoured body when lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shinglebacks really mate for life?
Wild pairs reunite yearly for decades — one of the only monogamous lizards known. Captive singles are perfectly content; it’s a seasonal bond, not cohabitation.
Why so rarely available?
Litters of just one to three live young keep supply far below European demand.
Why Buy From EU Exotic Reptile Hub
- Captive-bred in Europe — no wild-caught animals, ever
- Live-arrival guarantee and health guarantee on every animal
- Verified feeding — we ship only established feeders, with a feeding record
- Lifetime care support from our keepers, one message away
Shipping Across the EU
We ship EU-wide with specialist live-animal couriers in insulated, heat- or cool-packed boxes, dispatched only when the weather forecast along the whole route is safe. You receive tracking on dispatch day and your animal typically arrives within 24 hours. See our shipping policy and FAQ for full details.
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